Traffic cops to curb begging at traffic junctions

Apr 29, 2013, 01:50 IST
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Sandip Kolhatkar

Taking serious note of ugly traffic jams caused by the beggars at almost every traffic junction in the city, the traffic department decided to crack the whip and ordered its officials to nab the offenders and hand them over to the officials of the nearest police station so that legal action could be taken against the offenders.

A notification regarding the same was sent to all traffic divisions. The action was initiated after the department was flooded with complaints from motorist about how the beggars at junctions in the city obstructed the smooth flow of traffic.

Beggar menace: Action was initiated after the department was flooded with complaints from motorist about how the beggars at junctions in the city obstructed the smooth flow of traffic. Representation pic

“We received numerous complaints from the motorists stating that beggars obstructed traffic at junctions, making it difficult for them to manoeuvre vehicles despite a green signal,” Police Inspector (Admin) Rangrao Kamere of the Traffic branch said.

He said the beggars know which cars to approach, how to dress and fix false plasters to evoke maximum sympathy from the motorists. “Even adults, who sometimes accompany them, are ‘suitably armed’ with crutches or babies,” Kamere said.

He added that the beggars were risking their lives while asking for alms. “Children are exposed to the danger of being run over by speeding vehicles because when the signal turns green, motorists are in a hurry to leave. Also, action will be initiated against those found selling things at signals.”